A Place Where Everybody Matters

"Risley provides from her extensive pastoral experience an insider's view of the essential ministry of small churches today. With theological depth and practical wisdom she celebrates the Christian discipleship possible in a place that fosters a shared life where everybody matters. I highly recommend this work to both laity and clergy; it provides questions for reflection and discussion inviting congregational study."

--Robert W. Pazmino

Valeria Stone Professor of Christian Education

Andover Newton Theological School



"Butterflies in your soul? You've finished seminary, got credentialed, and now you have accepted your first call to minister . . . in a small church! Well, butterflies (and worse!) are entirely appropriate because you are about to enter a whole new world! BUT in Jean Risley's A Place Where Everybody Matters you have an excellent guide to the fascinating new universe of small church ministry. Let Risley be your mentor-in-print . . . Risley's practical wisdom and love of the small church will become infused in your pastoring and you will be a better minister for it!

--Anthony G. Pappas

author of Entering the World of the Small Church and Pastoral Stress